Seven Ways
To Leave Rosé Behind this Autumn…
The pink drink, it is safe to say, has completely taken over. No longer the red headed step child of the wine world, rosé has become the de rigueur digestif for the modern set. About two years ago, I blogged about rosé on Corkshop’s page, and how it had emerged as a wine maker’s go-to when it comes to amassing sales. The relatively easy to produce varietal has few creators that adhere to what I think a good rosé should be: bone-dry, light and crisp; unobtrusive. Too much plonk these days has a syrupy viscosity and sweetness that defeats the entire purpose. Thankfully, for wine consumption reasons alone, summer is now over, and we can re-focus our attention on some delicious autumnal viniculture.
Here are Seven Ways to leave the rosé behind for Summer:
2011 Verbiage Rouge by Tercero - Larry Schaffer is my new hero in the wine making arts (thanks to the heads up from fellow REALTOR® and gentleman, Ken Adam). No tasting notes, no frills, no gimmicks. His Los Olivos tasting room is oft overlooked because of the location, but that is all set to change. Look for him in the same building, but on the “good side of the street”, to use his parlance. The Verbiage Rouge, besides having a delightfully playful monicker, is a nectarous GSM blend with a bit of Viogner added. Don’t laugh when he asks you how you drink your coffee. www.tercerowines.com
2016 Sisqouc River Red by Rancho Sisquoc - This is the best under $10 bottle of wine in the world - seriously. But, you’ve got to be able to find it first. Trader Joe’s is a offertorial retailer of this fine potable, but they sell out quickly. the 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 16% Malbec, 13% Cabernet Franc, 8% Pt. Verdot blend is the perfect weekday wine to go with some of the heartier dishes coming to your home kitchen menus as the weather wanes. www.ranchosisquoc.com
2013 Moulin-à-Vent by Chateau Gimarets - I selfishly chose this wine because my wife and I honeymooned in Mâcon, and sampled wine from this village. The lesser known Gamay varietal is little sister to the region’s more famous sibling, Pinot Noir. Beaujolais is located in the north of the town of Lyon, between Mâcon and Villefranche-sur-Saône. Bold aromas of cherry, violets and black currant.
2015 Cabernet Franc - Tinaquaic Vineyard by Foxen - Not all wines are created equal, and the above mentioned ambrosia is no different. This inebriant will kick your inebriant’s ass. Joking aside, this is my favorite wine of the moment, and if you see me with purple teeth, now you will know why. Wine Enthusiast says, “Deep black plum, stone, turned earth and dried meat…” Yum. www.foxenvineyard.com
NV Cremant D’Alsace Reserve by Lucien Albrecht - If you are familiar with my wine predilections, you know I like the occasional glass of bubbles. You need not venture to the posh province of Reims for Champagne. Alsatian sparklers can be a refreshing (meaning cheaper) alternative. And, for those October days that still manage to creep into the high 80s, an effervescent elixir is an excellent elective. No it’s not a red, but it certainly is not rosé.
2016 Saldo Zinfandel by The Prisoner Wine Co - Our friends got us a bottle of this rich, full, and scintillating juice for our wedding back in 2015 (obviously not the ‘16 version, but nonetheless). It’s a great Fall option because of the softer tannins. Yes, it’s got some formidable zing going on in there, but it’s not too jammy like some Zins can be. Great while listening to jazz LPs, because licorice pizza pairs with licorice flavors. Does that reference date you or me?
2013 Sine Qua Non Syrah • The 17th Nail In My Cranium/Eleven Confessions - This Santa Rita Hills Syrah begot by this cult winery in Ventura, and are extremely difficult to procure (and expensive). The monicker and label from this specific selection is in reference to what it is like for me to listen to A) The Eagles, B) Joe Buck, or C) politics.
Bonus - If you like The Eagles, a nice wine you might enjoy is a bucket full of exothermic sulfuric acid because there is nothing worse than Don Henley and his voice.